Shelter base cover and organizer

ABSTRACT

A cover and organizer, when used with an ice shelter base, provides an interior cavity for holding and protecting stowed fishing gear. The cover provides access openings which allow the user to have full access to the cavity. The cover further provides other compartments, integrally formed into the cover, which prevents the comingling of select fishing gear during transport of the base. The openings and the compartments are covered with hinged and reinforced lids. One such compartment is preferably a rod locker which is specifically configured as a long and narrow compartment to stow and protect fishing rods and rod combos in particular. The lids are reinforced such that a seat can be mounted atop the lids without collapsing the cover into the base. The cover can also be used with a tent frame and tent to complete a fully functional structure that is well designed for ice fishing applications.

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Pat. No. 61/461,901 filed Jan. 25, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to items and accessories used by anglers in the sport of fishing. More particularly, it relates to a cover and organizer of the type that would be used with the shelter base of an ice shelter during the ice fishing season. It also relates to a combined cover and organizer that protects stowed fishing gear while also making the stowed gear fully accessible.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fishing has evolved from being a means of human survival in ancient times to being a competitive and recreational sport in modern times. Accordingly, modern anglers spend substantial amounts of time conducting their outdoor fishing expeditions exposed to the elements, but do so with some minimal expectation of comfort and convenience. This is particularly true when it comes to ice fishing, a known cold weather endeavor.

In the experience of this inventor, ice fishing for many anglers requires the use of an ice shelter of some sort, temporary shelters being preferred for ease in transport, set-up and take-down. Further, ice shelters have long been provided with a base, which is used primarily as a transport device much like a snow sled but which is usually much deeper. That is, the ice shelter base is typically a sled-like structure that is used to hold fishing gear in such a way that the base and gear can be pulled over frozen ice to a desired fishing location on the ice. The base can be used by itself or can be combined with other structures such as seats, tent frames, tents, etc., all for the comfort of and the functionality use by the angler.

Also in the experience of this inventor, shelter bases of the type described above come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Most shelter bases are a rectangular shape and have a certain depth to them such that, when fishing gear is put into the base, the gear does not fall out during transport of the base over rough winter terrain. However, an open ice shelter base does not adequately protect the fishing gear stowed in the base from snow, water or ice. Further, the stowed gear tends to be shifted during transport, which can result in a tangled mess of intertwined gear and time wasted by the angler in untangling the gear.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful cover and organizer for an ice shelter base that, when used with an ice shelter base, provides an interior cavity for stowing and protecting the angler's gear, such as fish locators, cameras, heaters, tackle boxes, fishing rods and the like, thereby keeping that gear clean and dry. It is another object of the present invention to provide one or more access openings in the cover. This would allow the angler full and convenient access to the interior cavity that is formed between the cover and the base. Preferably, the access openings would be lidded. As such, it is still another object of the present invention to provide reinforced lids to the openings to allow seats to be secured to several of the lids.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a cover and organizer that minimizes, or avoids altogether, any comingling of certain stowed fishing gear, and fishing rods in particular, during transport of the base thereby allowing the angler to keep the stowed gear organized for efficiency. It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a shelter base cover and organizer that can be fabricated of a plastic material that is strong yet light-weight, preferably fabricated by using a thermal molding process. It is still another object to provide such a shelter base cover and organizer that can be fabricated in different configurations to accommodate different ice shelter base structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The combined cover and organizer structure of the present invention has obtained these objects. The combined cover and organizer of the present invention, when used with an ice shelter base as intended, provides an interior cavity for holding and protecting stowed gear, which keeps the user's gear unexposed to the elements, thereby keeping it clean and dry. The combined cover and organizer of the present invention also provides access openings that are defined within the cover. The openings allow the user to have full and convenient access to the interior cavity which is formed between the cover and the base. The openings are preferably covered with hinged and reinforced lids. The combined cover and organizer provides other compartments that are integrally formed into the cover which provides means for minimizing or avoiding any comingling of select fishing gear during transport of the base which allows the user to keep that select fishing gear organized. Those compartments are likewise covered with hinged and reinforced lids. One such compartment, in particular, is a rod locker which is specifically configured as a long and narrow compartment that is formed within the cover to stow and protect fishing rods and rod combos in particular.

In the preferred embodiment of the combined cover and organizer, the structure and its components are fabricated of a plastic material that is strong yet light-weight. This is preferably accomplished by using a thermal molding process. Other methods of fabrication, such as injection molding and blow molding, could be used but would be more expensive in the view of this inventor. The combined cover and organizer and its lids are reinforced such that a seat can be mounted atop the lids without collapsing the cover into the base. Further, the combined cover and organizer structure is fabricated in different configurations to accommodate different ice shelter base structures. The cover and organizer can also be used with a tent frame and tent to complete a fully functional structure that is well designed for ice fishing applications.

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, top and left side perspective view of a first embodiment of the ice shelter base cover and organizer that is constructed in accordance with the present invention and used with an ice shelter base.

FIG. 2 is the same view as FIG. 1 and showing the lids of two openings to the interior cavity formed by the cover and base and a lid for a first compartment all of which are shown in the open position.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 and showing the lid of a second compartment in the open position.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the cover shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the cover shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a right side elevation view of the cover and organizer illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front, top and right side view of the cover and base illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing the cover used with two seats and frames used to support a covering.

FIG. 8 is a front, top and left side view of the cover and base illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing an arrangement of a single seat and frame structure as an alternative to that shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a back, top and right side perspective view of a second embodiment of the ice shelter base cover and organizer that is constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front, top and right side view of the cover and organizer shown in FIG. 9 and showing the lid to the cover opening in an open position and the lid to the first compartment also in an open position.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 and showing the lid of the elongated second compartment in an open position.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 9 and showing the seat portion of the cover as it would be used with a standard five gallon bucket inserted into the second opening of the cover.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the cover shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the cover shown in FIGS. 9 and 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like numbers represent like elements throughout, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the ice shelter base cover and organizer (which will also be referred to throughout as simply the “cover”), generally identified 10, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. When the cover 10 is positioned on top of an ice shelter base 1, an interior cavity is formed by the base and cover combination or assembly, which assembly is identified generally 100.

In the first preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, it will be seen that the cover 10 comprises a peripheral lip 12. The peripheral lip 12 is intended to overlay the upper peripheral edge (not shown) of the base 1. The cover 10 further comprises four upwardly-extending sidewalls 11, 13, 15, 17, each of which is integrally formed with the other sidewalls and also integrally formed with and extending upwardly from the peripheral lip 12. See also FIG. 4.

The sidewalls 11, 13, 15, 17 terminate at upper sidewall edges 21, 23, 25, 27, respectively, which edges define the perimeter of a substantially flat cover top 20. It is to be understood that the peripheral lip 12, the sidewalls 11, 13, 15, 17 and the top 20 are configured as a unitary structure and are integrally formed as components of a single structure. The top 20 of the cover 10 also includes a plurality of openings 22, 24, 26, 28 that are defined in it. See FIGS. 2 and 3. When the cover 10 is positioned on top of the ice shelter base 1, two of the openings 22, 24 provide access to the interior cavity 101 that is formed by the base-cover combination or assembly 100. The other two openings 26, 28 provide access to first and second compartments 36, 38, respectively, that are also defined depressions within the top 20 of the cover 10. The first compartment 36 is substantially square in the preferred embodiment whereas the second compartment 38 is elongated, although other shapes and number of compartments could be used and are within the scope of the present invention. The first compartment 36 can hold a wide variety of fishing gear items. The elongated second compartment 38, however, is functionally adapted to receive fishing poles, pole combos and the like in it.

The openings 22, 24 that provide access to the cavity 101 of the assembly 100 are preferably covered by hinged lids 42, 44, respectively. Again, see FIG. 1. It should be understood, however, that the openings 22, 24 could also be covered by other structures including cargo nets, canvas, nylon and other sheeted material that can be secured to the edges of the openings 22, 24 using elastic bands and other attachment means. In the preferred embodiment, however, hinges 41 are disposed to one side of each lid 42, 44 thereby allowing the lids 42, 44 to be moved from a “closed” position as shown in FIG. 1 to an “open” position as shown in FIG. 2. The openings 26, 28, which provide access to the first and second compartments 36, 38, are also covered by hinged lids 46, 48, respectively. In this preferred embodiment, hinges 41 are disposed to one side of each lid 46, 48 thereby allowing the lids 46, 48 to similarly be moved from a “closed” position as shown in FIG. 1 to an “open” position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. It is to be noted, however, that the compartments 36, 38 could also be covered by other structures including cargo nets, canvas, nylon and other sheeted material that can be secured to the edges of the compartments 36, 38 using elastic bands and other attachment means. It is also to be noted that the assembly 100 and the cavity 101 created by it can be provided without the compartments 36, 38. In such an alternative embodiment, only one or more of the openings 22, 24 would be provided for the purpose of accessing the cavity 101 of the assembly 100.

In the cover 10 of the first preferred embodiment, the openings 22, 24 to the cavity 101 flank the opening 26 to the first compartment 36. On the other hand, the opening 28 to the second compartment 38 runs the length of the cover top 20 and is disposed opposite the other openings 22, 24, 26. The second compartment 38 is configured to be long and narrow so as to accommodate fishing poles within the compartment 38 as mentioned above.

The cover 10 of the first preferred embodiment also comprises a pair of cup holders 39 defined within the cover top 20. It is to be understood that the cover top 20, the compartments 36, 38 and the cup holders 39 are all integrally formed as a single unitary structure. With the lids 42, 44 closed, exposure of the cavity 101 and its contents (not shown) to the elements is prevented. With the lids 46, 48 closed, exposure of the respective compartments 36, 38 and their contents (also not shown) to the elements is prevented.

It should also be mentioned that the lids 42, 44 in the first preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are reinforced. That is, each lid 42, 44 comprises a support member 62. Each support member 62 is made from a square tubular metal stock and comprises a first end 61 and a second end 63. Each support member 62 is mounted to its respective lid 42, 44 using fasteners 69 such that the first end 61 rests on a rear shoulder 64 that is defined to the hinged side of the opening 22, 24. The second end 63 rests on a forward shoulder 65 that is defined to the side opposite the hinged side of each of the openings 22, 24. Ribs 43, 45 are also defined within each lid 42, 44, respectively, to provide support for each structure since each lid 42, 44 is functionally adapted to support the swivel base of an OEM boat seat 102. See FIGS. 7 and 8. The lid 46 of the first compartment 38 is similarly configured to include support ribs 47 in it. Lastly, the lid 48 of the second compartment 38 likewise comprises support ribs 49 in it.

In the first preferred embodiment, the cover top 20 further comprises a centrally disposed cover support member 71. See FIG. 5. The cover support member 71 is provided to support the central portion 29 of the cover top 20 and to transfer force load to the sidewalls 11, 15 of the cover 10 and prevent the cover top 20 from collapsing into the base 1. In the first preferred embodiment, the support member 71 is fabricated from a square tubular metal stock and fastened to the cover central portion 29 using fasteners 69.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the cover 10 and base 1 as used with swivel seats 102 attached to the lids as previously described. Frame members 103, 104 and frame member brackets 105, 106 are used to support a covering (not shown) in a two-person and one-person configuration, respectively.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the ice shelter base cover and organizer, generally identified 110, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. When the cover 110 is positioned on top of an ice shelter base 1, an interior cavity 201 is formed by the base and cover combination or assembly, which is identified generally 200. Although not shown, it is again to be understood that the system 200 of this embodiment could use additional hardware, a tubular frame and tent or other covering in order to be used as a completely functional ice fishing shelter under normal use conditions. The presence or absence of that hardware, frame and covering is not a limitation of this invention.

As with the first embodiment, the second preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 shows that the cover 110 comprises a peripheral lip 112. The peripheral lip 112 overlays the peripheral edge (again, not shown) of the base 1. The cover 110 further comprises four upwardly-extending sidewalls 111, 113, 115, 117, each of which is integrally formed with the other sidewalls and also integrally formed with and extending upwardly from the peripheral lip 112. See FIGS. 11 and 12.

The sidewalls 111, 113, 115, 117 terminate at upper sidewall edges 121, 123, 125, 127, respectively, which edges define the perimeter of a substantially flat cover top 120. It is to be understood that the peripheral lip 112, the sidewalls 111, 113, 115, 117 and the top 120 are configured as a unitary structure and are integrally formed as components of a single structure. The top 120 of the cover 110 also includes a plurality of openings 122, 124, 126, 128 that are defined in it. See FIGS. 10 and 11. When the cover 110 is positioned on top of the ice shelter base 1, at least one opening 122 provides access to the interior cavity 201 that is formed by the base-cover combination or assembly 200. Another opening 124 is configured to receive a typical 5-gallon pail 204 in it. See FIG. 12. The two other openings 126, 128 provide access to first and second compartments 136, 138, respectively, that are essentially depressions formed within the top 120 of the cover 110. The first compartment 136 is substantially rectangular in the preferred embodiment. The second compartment 138 is elongated, although other shapes and number of compartments could be used and are within the scope of the present invention.

The first compartment 136 can hold a variety of fishing gear items and the elongated second compartment 138 is again functionally adapted to receive fishing poles, pole combos and the like. The opening 122 that provides access to the cavity 201 of the assembly 200 is covered by a hinged lid 142. See FIG. 10. Hinges 141 are disposed to one side of the lid 142 which allows the lid 142 to be opened as desired or required. The opening 124 which provides for a pail 204 to be received in it is provided with a round lid 144 which is not hinged. See FIG. 12. The openings 126, 128 which provide access to the first and second compartments 136, 138 are covered by hinged lids 146, 148, respectively. The hinges 141 are disposed to one side of each lid 146, 148. In the cover 110 of the second preferred embodiment, the openings 122, 124 to the cavity 201 flank the opening 126 to the first compartment 136. As with the first embodiment, the opening 128 to the second compartment 138 runs the length of the cover top 120 and is disposed opposite the other openings 122, 124, 126. The second compartment 138 is configured to be long and narrow so as to accommodate fishing poles within the compartment 138 as mentioned above. See also FIGS. 13 and 14.

The cover 110 of the second embodiment also comprises a pair of cup holders 139 defined within the cover top 120. It is also to be understood that the cover top 120, the compartments 136, 138 and the cup holders 139 are all integrally formed as a unitary structure. With the lid 142 closed, exposure of the cavity 201 and its contents (not shown) to the elements is prevented.

It should also be mentioned that each of the lids 142, 144, 146, 148 in the second preferred embodiment are reinforced. To that end, each lid 142, 144, 146, 148 comprises one or more support ribs 143, 145, 147, 149 to provide support for each structure. In particular, the hinged lid 142 of the opening 122 is functionally adapted to support the swivel base of an OEM boat seat (not shown) on it. This functionality is the same as that described above as to FIGS. 7 and 8.

It should also be mentioned that, in both of the preferred embodiments, the elongated second compartments 38, 138 include a generally V-shaped bottom 37, 137. This provides a drip edge for each of the compartments 38, 138, the compartments 38, 138 also including transverse support members 39, 139 for elevating stowed fishing poles and pole combos (not shown) above the V-shaped bottom 37, 137. See FIGS. 5 and 13.

In both of the preferred embodiments of the combined cover and organizer, 10, 110 the structure and its components are fabricated of a plastic material that is strong yet light-weight. This is preferably accomplished by using a thermal molding process. Other methods of fabrication, such as injection molding and blow molding, could be used but would be more expensive in the view of this inventor. Further, it is to be understood that both assemblies 100, 200 of the present invention would require additional hardware, a tubular frame and tent or other covering in order to be used as a completely functional ice fishing shelter under normal use conditions.

Based upon the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been provided a new and useful cover and organizer for an ice shelter base that, when used with an ice shelter base, provides an interior cavity for stowing and protecting the angler's gear, such as fish locators, cameras, heaters, tackle boxes, fishing rods and the like, thereby keeping that gear clean and dry. The cover and organizer of the present invention provide a number of lidded access openings in the cover. This allows the angler full and convenient access to the interior cavity that is formed between the cover and the base. Further, the lids to the openings are reinforced to allow seats to be secured to several of the lids. The cover and organizer of the present invention minimizes, or avoids altogether, any comingling of certain stowed fishing gear, and fishing rods in particular, during transport of the base which allows the angler to keep stowed gear organized for efficiency. The shelter base cover and organizer of the present invention is fabricated of a plastic material that is strong yet light-weight, and is preferably fabricated by using a thermal molding process. The shelter base cover and organizer can also be fabricated in different configurations to accommodate different ice shelter base structures. 

1. A cover and organizer for use with an ice shelter base comprising: a cover top, the top and base forming an interior cavity; and an opening in the top to access the cavity.
 2. The cover and organizer of claim 1 further comprising: a compartment in the top.
 3. The cover and organizer of claim 1 further comprising: a lid for the opening.
 4. The cover and organizer of claim 2 further comprising: a lid for the compartment.
 5. A cover and organizer for use with an ice shelter base, the cover and organizer comprising: a cover top; at least one opening defined within the cover top for accessing an interior cavity formed by the cover and organizer overlaying the base; a lid for covering the at least one opening; at least one compartment defined within the cover top, the at least one compartment being integrally formed with the cover top; and a lid for covering the at least one compartment.
 6. The cover and organizer of claim 5 wherein the ice shelter base is a generally rectangular tub-like or trough-like structure having an upper peripheral lip and wherein the lip of the cover and organizer is functionally adapted to overlay the peripheral lip of the base.
 7. The cover and organizer of claim 6 wherein the peripheral lip and the cover top are integrally formed as a unitary structure.
 8. The cover and organizer of claim 7 wherein the unitary structure is made of plastic.
 9. The cover and organizer of claim 7 further comprising hinges and wherein the lids are hinged to one side of the at least one opening and to one side of the at least one compartment such that the lids are rotatably movable about the hinges between an open and a closed position.
 10. The cover and organizer of claim 7 wherein the lids are reinforced by at least one support rib.
 11. The cover and organizer of claim 10 wherein the lids are made of plastic.
 12. The cover and organizer of claim 7 further comprising support members and wherein the lids are reinforced by such support members.
 13. The cover and organizer of claim 12 wherein each support member comprises a first end and a second end and wherein each opening or compartment comprises a shoulder for supporting the first and second ends of the support member when the lid is in the closed position.
 14. The cover and organizer of claim 7 further comprising a top cover support member.
 15. The cover and organizer of claim 5 wherein one of the at least one openings is configured to receive a cylindrical bucket and the lid for the at least one opening is configured to be received within a top circular opening of the bucket.
 16. The cover and organizer of claim 5 further comprising at least one seat attached to a lid and frame members for supporting an ice shelter base covering.
 17. A cover and organizer for use with an ice shelter base, the base being a sled-like structure having an upper peripheral edge, the cover and organizer comprising: a peripheral lip; a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the lip, each sidewall comprising an upper edge, the upper edges of the sidewalls defining a cover top wherein the top, sidewalls and peripheral lip are integrally formed as a unitary structure; at least one opening defined within the cover top for accessing an interior cavity formed by the cover and organizer overlaying the base; a lid for covering the at least one opening; at least one compartment defined within the cover top, the at least one compartment being integrally formed with the cover top; and a lid for covering the at least one compartment.
 18. The cover and organizer of claim 17 wherein the ice shelter base is a generally rectangular tub-like or trough-like structure having an upper peripheral lip and wherein the lip of the cover and organizer is functionally adapted to overlay the peripheral lip of the base.
 19. The cover and organizer of claim 17 wherein the unitary structure is made of plastic.
 20. The cover and organizer of claim 17 further comprising hinges and wherein the lids are hinged to one side of the at least one opening and to one side of the at least one compartment such that the lids are rotatably movable about the hinges between an open and a closed position.
 21. The cover and organizer of claim 17 wherein the lids are reinforced by at least one support rib.
 22. The cover and organizer of claim 17 wherein the at least one opening is configured to receive a cylindrical bucket and the lid for the at least one opening is configured to be received within a top circular opening of the bucket.
 23. The cover and organizer of claim 17 wherein the lids are made of plastic.
 24. The cover and organizer of claim 17 further comprising at least one seat attached to a lid and frame members for supporting an ice shelter base covering. 